Julen Lopetegui will ‘STAY at Wolves after decisive strategy talks’

Julen Lopetegui will stay on as Wolves boss this summer after extensive talks with the club, according to reports.

Lopetegui only joined the club midway through the 2022/23 season and inherited Bruno Lage’s relegation-threatened squad ahead of the World Cup, taking charge of his first competitive game on 20 December.

He eventually managed to keep the side in the Premier League, finishing the season in 13th place on 41 points.

Uncertainty had emerged over the former Spanish and Real Madrid manager’s near future at Molineux, with reports suggesting the Basque boss was concerned about Wolves’ FFP problems.

But the Telegraph reports that the 56-year-old has informed club officials he intends to continue his role next season, with Wolves facing Manchester United at Old Trafford in a tricky opener.

The Spaniard led his side to survival and finished the season on 41 points in 13th place in the table

Wolves spent nearly £200m last season, putting them under FFP pressure that cast doubt on their ability to recruit in the transfer window ahead of the new campaign.

As such, they will have to sell players to free up enough breathing space to reinforce.

A number of Wolves stars are believed to be of interest to other clubs, with Ruben Neves linked with Barcelona, ​​Arsenal and Man United, and the club is already receiving offers for Brentford’s Nathan Collins.

Max Kilman is also in the spotlight and has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, while Daniel Podence faces an uncertain future at Molineux.

In addition, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Jose Sa are believed to be free to go in the upcoming period, while Matheus Nunes has long been admired by Liverpool.

Lopetegui will also be boosted by the return of England defender Conor Coady from loan to Everton and Ryan Giles from Middlesbrough, the winger who impressed on loan in the Championship.

The 56-year-old is said to have had lengthy talks with club chiefs, and each new signing will cost between £8 million and £15 million.

Lopetegui returned home to Spain, the Telegraph reports, to ponder the prospect of a return to the club under the parameters set by director Matt Hobbs – who is believed to have played a key role in helping the Spaniard join the keep a club.

Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs is considered a key part of keeping Lopetegui at the club

Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves could count on many transfer interests

Wolves have completed the signing of Matheus Nunes for a club record transfer fee

Wolves are in for a very different summer, having splashed a whopping £38 million on Nunes in the 2022 summer transfer window.

Lopetegui will begin his first full season with Wolves with a Monday night trip to Old Trafford to face Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.

After helping the club to relegation last season, former Spanish boss Lopetegui hopes to climb the table with Wolves in 2023-24 and restore his side as number 1 in the West Midlands ahead of Aston Villa.

Wolves take on their local rivals on October 7 and March 30 and will end their campaign against Liverpool at Anfield – the third time they face Jurgen Klopp’s side in six seasons on the final day.